Schumer: White House Is Backing Down On Hamas A Dangerous Step Toward Legitimizing Terror Tactics

SCHUMER: WHITE HOUSE IS BACKING DOWN ON HAMAS A DANGEROUS STEP TOWARD LEGITIMIZING TERROR TACTICS

Senator Calls on White House to Stand Firmly Against Terrorist Organizations, Instead of Signaling That Violence Pays

Schumer: Hamas Does not Deserve a Seat at the Table

As the Administration appeared to sending a mixed signal in the War on Terror by signaling flexibility on its response to the participation of Hamas candidates in Palestinian elections, today Senator Schumer called on the White House to stand firmly against terrorist organizations instead of endorsing or facilitating their involvement in the political process.

"Last I checked, Hamas is still a major terrorist organization that refuses to disarm," Schumer said. "Hamas has the blood of thousands of innocents on its hands, including Americans. But after clearly speaking about good versus evil, President Bush seems to be backtracking. Now is a dangerous time to be encouraging terrorists to get involved in and possibly hijack the nascent political process of the Palestinian Authority."

Though there does seem to be a political wing and a militant wing of Hamas, Schumer said today that drawing a distinction like the Europeans do is not acceptable because participating in terror taints the whole organization, not just the portion of it engaging in terrorist activities.

"Allowing Hamas to have a seat at the table before it gives up terrorism and attains legitimacy in the world community. Hamas with a seat at the bargaining table will lead to dangerous half-measures and a slippery slope of acceptance, which this Administration should not stand for," Schumer said. "The White House has always said it is a friend to Israel, but with friends like this, who needs enemies?"

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/2005/PR41701.Hamas.060705.html